On November 20, 2018, Embu’s top KCPE candidate Telvin Gichuki said his academic ambition was shaped by Opposition leader Raila Odinga, whom he described as a role model in civil engineering.
The 13-year-old, who studied at Tenri Primary School in Embu town, scored 434 marks out of 500 and said he hoped to pursue civil engineering at university.
Gichuki told reporters that he had followed Raila’s public life closely and admired what he called the former Prime Minister’s strong record in work and leadership. He also said Raila’s time as minister for Roads showed a legacy that influenced his own career choice.
“The former Prime Minister has been my role model and inspired me to work hard so that I can a be a civil engineer like him,” Gichuki said.
He added that he knew Raila was a politician, but maintained that the ODM leader’s background showed excellence in his field. Gichuki also said he wanted to use engineering to contribute to infrastructure development under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Big Four agenda.
The student said his performance came from hard work, discipline and support from teachers and parents. “Even during public holidays, I woke up early to study keeping in mind the teachers' instructions. I also prayed regularly,” he said.
Gichuki is the son of physiotherapist Gichuki Ngare and Caroline Wanja, who works as a secretary. He was accompanied by Tenri headteacher James Kariuki.
Kariuki said the school had seven students who scored 400 marks and above, while another 24 scored 300 marks and above. He credited the results to broad syllabus coverage, which gave pupils enough time to revise.
After the results were received, teachers, friends and neighbours lifted Gichuki on their shoulders in celebration. He was later driven around Embu in a limousine, with residents lining the roads as teachers’ cars and school buses moved through town.
Gichuki said he wanted to join Alliance Boys High School during the selection scheduled for December 3.
